Methamphetamine
and Firearm Offences
Leads to 24 Year Sentence for
Mexican National

Over one pound
of methamphetamine and a 9-mm handgun seized

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. -
Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA) Special Agent
in Charge Jack Riley
and United States Attorney Joseph
H. Hogsett announced
today the sentencing
of Juan Antonio Corona-Gonzalez,
28, Jalisco, Mexico, to 24 years in prison.
Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals Judge (sitting
by designation) David F. Hamilton sentenced
Corona-Gonzalez following his conviction
at trial for possession with intent to distribute
500 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution
of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine,
and possession of a firearm during and in
relation to a drug trafficking crime. The
Indianapolis and Chicago field offices of
the DEA conducted the investigation.

“Mr. Corona-Gonzalez was not only
convicted of distributing over one pound
of methamphetamine, which was thankfully
seized before getting into the hands of
users, but also of possessing a firearm
while committing a drug trafficking crime,” stated
Jack Riley, Special Agent in Charge of the
DEA Chicago Field Division, which includes
the state of Indiana. “Firearms have
become a common tool of the illegal drug
trade, which can further lead to violence
associated with drug trafficking.”

During Corona-Gonzalez’ trial, evidence
established that he was a Mexican national
living in Indianapolis, while distributing
large amounts of methamphetamine for a drug
trafficking organization based in Chicago.
A DEA covert operation culminated with the
February 2008 arrest of Corona-Gonzalez
in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Indianapolis.
Corona-Gonzalez was loading over one-half
kilogram of methamphetamine into a hidden
vehicle compartment when he was arrested.
At the time of his arrest, law enforcement
seized a loaded 9-mm semiautomatic handgun
from his waistband, as well as numerous
fictitious pieces of identification.

According to Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted
the case for the government, Judge Hamilton
also imposed five years supervised release
following Corona-Gonzalez’ release
from imprisonment, if Corona-Gonzalez is
not deported to his native country of Mexico.